In countries with gender inequality, the cerebral cortex of women is thinner than that of men.

The researchers used 7876 MRI scans of healthy adults (4078 women and 3798 men) for analysis. About 35% of participants lived in low- and middle-income countries. Scientists have determined the thickness and area of the cortex of the hemispheres and individual areas of the brain. These parameters are most often used in studying the influence of environmental factors. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between the level of gender inequality in the country and the average thickness of the cortex of the right hemisphere. With significant inequality in women, it turned out to be thinner. The brain develops under the influence of upbringing and other social factors, so scientists suggest that harsher conditions for women may lead to pronounced gender differences.